Family/Spouse: STANISH, Brian. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary of Rene Armand Sauvageau
(Joseph) Rene A. Sauvageau passed away on Thursday June 25 2020. Born on June 8, 1932 in his family's home from humble beginnings and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, Rene was the youngest son of French-Canadian immigrants Aurora (Dugas) and Sylva Sauvageau. Rene attended local schools and entered Holy Cross Seminary in Dunkirk, New York at the age of 14. While on the path to priesthood in August 1952, he had a chance encounter with Anne Smith whose intentions were to join the convent. However, God had other plans. They were married six months later on February 7, 1953, and spent 67 wonderful years together while raising 11 children. Anne was the be all and end all to Rene and their youthful love was palpable right to the end.A man greatly influenced by his faith, Rene attended mass on a daily basis and could be found at morning mass throughout the churches of his birth city. After serving in the Army as chaplain's assistant in Colorado he returned to Niagara Falls to begin his career as a land surveyor with Niagara Mohawk. In 1964, with many mouths to feed he took the bold step of starting his own land surveying company. Licensed in five states and known for his quality and timely workmanship, his business successfully grew garnering him respect from his peers. His unique brand of toughness for which he was also known came in part from his impatience for "crapola." He was also deputized to the Erie County Sheriff's Department Scientific Division. Rene was joined in practice by his dedicated son, Jay in 1991 which allowed him to continue his life's passion. Work was his lifeblood that fed him both literally and figuratively right to his last breath.Rene enjoyed spending time with his family and many of our happiest memories were enhanced by the aroma of his cigar/pipe. He had a competitive spirit, which encompassed all aspects of his life. He also enjoyed his close circle of friends with whom he played sports, cards and travelled. Most importantly, he was known for his far-reaching generosity.His ending was as poetic and beautiful as anyone would want. He died on a beautiful summer day while working in his shed, in the loving arms of his daughter Denise, with his wife by his side. As our mom said, 'he died with his boots on!'Rene is survived by his wife, Anne, and children: Theresa (Allan Flynn) Sauvageau, Bernard, Denise, Cynthia (Luis) Rodenas, Joan (Brian) Stanish, Jay (Caroline Szegda), Kathleen (Joe) Nichols, Philip, Paul (Patricia), Thomas (Marisa), 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Rene was predeceased by his siblings, Ivan and Anita (Bob) Phelps and his son Chris.There will be no prior visitation. A Mass of Christian burial will be held outside on Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 am at Holy Trinity Cemetery, 5401 Robert Street, Lewiston, NY 14092. To help keep everyone safe, please bring your own chair and mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Levesque Institution Niagara University NY 14109; or Newman Center 1219 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14222. Arrangements entrusted to ZAJAC FUNERAL HOME INC. Visit zajacfuneralhomeinc.com for online condolences

Rene married SMITH, Anne Catharine on 7 Feb 1953 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, NY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sylva + DUGAS, Cora. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]